Zim footballers around the world: Reims stun Lyon as Munetsi nets a header; Nakamba shines in Luton's historic win

TAWANDA CHARI

Reims pulled off a stunning upset over Lyon in the French Ligue 1 on Saturday, thanks to a late header from Zimbabwean midfielder Marshall Munetsi. The 25-year-old rose above the defence to nod home a cross from J. Ito in the 45th minute, giving Reims a 1-0 lead at the break. 

Munetsi, who has been playing as a box-to-box midfielder, has now scored two goals and provided three assists in seven games this season.

Lyon, who had won their previous four matches, failed to find an equalizer and conceded another goal in stoppage time when Mathieu Cafaro converted a penalty. The 2-0 defeat left Lyon in fourth place, six points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Reims moved up to ninth, with 11 points from seven games.

Tino Kadewere, another Zimbabwean international, came on as a substitute for Lyon in the 68th minute, but could not make an impact. The 25-year-old striker has scored one goal in six appearances this season.

Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Marvelous Nakamba was named as Luton Town's Man of the Match after helping his team secure their first-ever top-flight win. 

The newly-promoted side beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park, with Nakamba putting on a defensive masterclass in midfield. The 27-year-old won nine duels and six tackles, and disrupted Everton's attacks with his interceptions and clearances.

Luton took the lead in the 18th minute through Harry Cornick, who slotted past Jordan Pickford after a swift counter-attack. Everton equalized in the 32nd minute through Richarlison, who headed in a cross from Andros Townsend. 

However, Luton restored their advantage in the 54th minute through Elijah Adebayo, who pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired past Pickford.

Everton pushed for a second equalizer, but Luton held on to claim a historic victory. The win lifted Luton to 17th place, level on four points with Everton, who are one spot above them on goal difference.

In other news, Teenage Hadebe made a cameo appearance for Houston Dynamo in the final of the 2023 US Open Cup. 

The Zimbabwean defender came on in the 91st minute to help his team defend their 2-1 lead over Inter Miami. Houston Dynamo won their second US Open Cup title, thanks to goals from Fafa Picault and Memo Rodriguez.

Hadebe, who had been sidelined by an injury for a long time, is expected to feature for Zimbabwe when they host Nigeria in the second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November this year.